After MotoGP, Mandalika Street Circuit awaits more sports events

 Jakarta , March 23, 2022 (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has expressed pleasure over the successful implementation of the 2022 Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia (MotoGP) at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

The MotoGP race was held from March 18 to 20.

"This is a big event of a very extraordinary motorsport and I want to express my deepest gratitude, especially to the people of NTB, particularly Lombok, who have given their full support," Widodo said while watching the final day of the motorbike race.

Red Bull KTM rider Miguel Oliveira won the race after completing 20 laps at the Mandalika Circuit in 33 minutes 27.223 seconds.

Monster Energy Yamaha world champion Fabio Quartararo settled for second place after finishing 2.205 seconds after Oliveira, and Ducati rider Johann Zarco was the third podium winner who received the Indonesian Grand Prix trophy from the President.

Despite the success, Widodo promised to improve some aspects during the next implementation of MotoGP races as Mandalika and Dorna Sports, as MotoGP commercial rights holders, have long-term cooperation contracts.

The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia at Mandalika marked the first time the prestigious racing event was held in the country in 25 years.

FINANCIAL BODIES OFFER FUNDS FOR POST-EARTHQUAKE RECONSTRUCTION EFFORTS by Fardah

Jakarta, Oct 20 , 2018 (Antara) - Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, as it is located on the "Pacific Ring of Fire" where a large number of volcanoes and earthquakes occur.

           At least four major earthquakes rocked two provinces -- West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and Central Sulawesi -- during the July-September 2018 period. The earthquake victims are still struggling to recover from the trauma and devastation caused by the natural disasters.

           Three powerful earthquakes rocked Lombok and Sumbawa Islands in NTB respectively on July 29, Aug 5, and Aug 9, 2018.

           The powerful magnitude-7 earthquake on Aug 5 devastated 75 percent of the buildings in North Lombok District.

           The death toll on Lombok Island reached 555. More than 1,300 people were injured, and nearly 353 thousand have been internally displaced. Damage and losses are currently estimated at Rp7.7 trillion ($528 million).

           While Lombok was still bleeding, a magnitude-7.4 earthquake and a subsequent tsunami struck the districts of Palu, Donggala, Sigi, and Parigi Moutong in Central Sulawesi on September 28, 2018.

           The Central Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami claimed 2,102 lives, injured 4,612, and rendered 680 others missing. A total of 68,451 homes were seriously damaged, and 78,994 people were displaced. Material losses inflicted by the twin deadly disasters are estimated to reach more than Rp10 trillion.

           Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla recently informed the press that the government will request assistance, including long-term loans, in accordance with the country's needs.

SAFETY OF TOURISTS PRIORITIZED IN LOMBOK QUAKE RESCUE OPERATION by Fardah

Jakarta, Aug 11, 2018 (Antara) - Lombok, which was rocked by three powerful earthquakes on July 29, Aug 5 and 9, 2018, is one of Indonesia's ten priority tourist destinations, beyond Bali.

         Located in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, Lombok Island is blessed with beautiful white-sand beaches, forest-covered mountainous areas, and a distinct culture.

            Thanks to intensive tourism promotional activities at home and overseas, NTB, which is situated not far from Bali and scenically no less beautiful than Bali, has attracted much domestic, as well as foreign tourists, and seeks to attract four million foreign tourists by 2018.

       So, when powerful earthquakes rocked Lombok Island, the main concerns of the authorities include the safety of local inhabitants and tourists.

        The Indonesian foreign ministry recently briefed foreign envoys on the latest developments in Lombok, particularly following a powerful magnitude-7 earthquake on Aug 5 that devastated 75 percent of the buildings in North Lombok district.

          The briefing, organized by the consular directorate of the foreign ministry, was attended by envoys of 30 foreign countries and officials of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBN), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and the Meteorology, Geophysics, and Climatology Agency (BMKG).
   The foreign ministry has since established a "Foreign Visitor Help Desk" (FVHD) to assist foreigners seeking information related to the natural disaster.  

FOREIGN COUNTRIES, ORGANIZATIONS SHOW SYMPATHY TO LOMBOK QUAKE VICTIMS by Fardah

Jakarta, Aug 11, 2018 (Antara) - Indonesia is mourning after Lombok Island in West Nusa Tenggara had been devastated by deadly earthquakes of 6.4 magnitude on July 29, 7 magnitude on Aug 5, and 6.2 magnitude on Aug 9, 2018, respectively.

         The Aug 5 quake killed at least 387 people, caused dozens to go missing, injured, 13,88 and displaced 387,067; while the previous 6.4 magnitude earthquake claimed 16 lives, including a Malaysian tourist.

         None of the victims (of the Aug 5 quake) was foreigners, according to Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBN).

         The Indonesian foreign ministry recently briefed foreign envoys on the latest developments in Lombok, which is often packed with foreign tourists holidaying on the island resort, which is not less beautiful than Bali.   
    The ministry informed the foreign diplomats about rescue efforts, including the evacuation of the affected local residents and foreign tourists, from Lombok.

          Evacuation operations are crucial because aftershocks are expected to continue to jolt Lombok Island over the next four weeks. Since the Aug 5 quake, 451 aftershocks have been recorded, as of the morning of Aug 10.

NTB ISLAMIC CENTER BECOMES HALAL TOURISM ICON by Fardah

            Jakarta, May 24, 2018 (Antara) - West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has every element and facility to support its aspirations to become a world-class Halal tourism destination.

         The province, with a Muslim-majority population, has been blessed with scenic natural beauty in the form of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear seas, and mountain, among others.

        Lombok, one of the two major islands in NTB,  was adjudged the best halal tourism and honeymoon destination during the World Halal Travel Awards 2015 held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, in October 2015.

          The NTB administration has hoped these awards would serve as a starting point to seriously develop Lombok as a halal tourism destination.

          The awards have instilled a sense of pride and optimism in the NTB administration to promote its tourism attractions nationally and internationally to lure more domestic and foreign tourists, particularly Muslims, who want to enjoy halal or Shariah tourism.    
    Some 65 percent of the 4.7 million population of NTB lives in Lombok and up to 93 percent of them are Muslims. 
    Lombok Island, one of the two major islands of NTB, is also called "One Thousand Mosque Island". Taufan Hidjaz, a researcher and author of a book entitled "Lombok, Land With Thousands of Mosques", wrote that 518 villages on Lombok Island have some 9,000 mosques.

   
    The NTB provincial capital of Mataram has a large Islamic Center called the Hubbul Wathan Islamic Center and Grand Mosque, which has now become an icon of Halal tourism in the province.  
    Hubbul Wathan Grand Mosque, located in the NTB Islamic Center, is the largest and most beautiful one in the province. The mosque's minaret stands 114 meters tall.

TOUR DE LOMBOK MANDALIKA TO PROMOTE LOMBOK AS A SPORT TOURISM DESTINATION by Fardah

Jakarta, April 7, 2018 (Antara) - West Nusa Tenggara is currently gearing up for the 2018 Tour de Lombok Mandalika (TdLM) international cycling event to be held in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, from April 13 to 15.

         The TdLM, combining tourism and sport events, is expected to promote Lombok Island as an international-class sport tourism destination, after the island has been awarded as  the best halal tourism and honeymoon destination during the World Halal Travel Awards 2015 held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.

          At least 18 cycling teams from 18 countries have confirmed their participation in the race. They will come from Malaysia, Japan, Australia, Kazakhstan, and China. Indonesia's national team will also take part in the event.

          "Today, we have launched the plan to organize TdLM 2018, and at the same time, we have announced the cycling race route," Lalu Mohammad Faozal, head of the NTB tourism office, stated during the launch in Lombok on April 1, 2018.    
    The TdLM, which has been classified by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) as a 2.2 category race, is divided into three stages.

        The first stage is Kuta Mandalika-Mataram City, spanning 84.4 kilometers. It will start from Kuta Beach located in the Special Economic Zone (KEK) of Mandalika and finish in the NTB Governor Office in Mataram City.

        The participating cyclists will pass through Sasak traditional kampongs in Sade and Ende in Central Lombok, beaches, and rice fields.

          The third stage is a circuit in Mataram City, at a distance of 110 kilometers. The start and finish lines will be in Sangkareang Park. The route includes Ampenan beach and Ampenan old city.

         Faozal is optimistic that TdLM will serve as an effective promotion to attract foreign and domestic tourists.

          Winners of the TdLM 2018 will receive UCI points and prizes worth Rp350 million. 
    He noted that TdLM 2017 was a success, and therefore, the Okio team from Japan, who became the overall winner last year, will again participate this year.

W NUSA TENGGARA OFFERS ADVENTURES DURING TAMBORA FESTIVAL by Fardah

  Jakarta, April 6, 2018 (Antara) - April 2018 is the right time for adventure lovers to visit West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), where the Tambora Festival will feature various challenging events, from maritime activities to mountain climbing.

        Comprising the Lombok and Sumbawa islands as well as hundreds of smaller islands, NTB Province is blessed with beautiful white-sand beaches, forest-covered mountains and a distinct culture.

         The Tambora Festival, which was held for the first time in 2015, will mostly take place in the Doro Ncanga savanna field in Dompu District, Sumbawa Island.

         The first Tambora festival was launched to commemorate the massive eruption of Mount Tambora in April 1815.

          Mount Tambora is located on the northern coast of Sumbawa Island. The 2,851m volcano remains active. Before its eruption, Mount Tambora was some 4,300m (14,000 feet) high. After the eruption, a caldera spanning some 6km (3.7 miles) across was left behind.

        The Tambora Festival is expected to attract up to 1,500 foreign tourists and thousands of domestic tourists.

          Taking place between April 1 and 11, the Tambora Festival consists of 24 events in several locations across five districts on Sumbawa Island. Among the events are the Extreme Marathon Tambora Challenge 320K, a surfing festival at Lakey Beach in Dompu, and a buffalo race in West Sumbawa.

        In Bima Municipality, a Mount Tambora climbing event will be organized on April 9. In Sumbawa District, a cultural discussion will be held at Dalam Loka Palace.

News Focus -MANDALIKA TO BE PROMOTED TO PARTICIPANTS OF IMF-WB ANNUAL MEETINGS by Fardah

 Jakarta, March 10, 2018 (Antara) - The 2018 International Monetary Fund-World Bank (IMF-WB) Annual Meetings, one of the biggest and influential events in the fields of finance and economy, will be organized in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Oct 8-14, this year.

         Indonesia will utilize the opportunity of hosting the IMF-WB Annual Meetings in Bali in October 2018 to showcase its economic potential to prospective investors.

         One of its mega development projects awaiting more investors is the Mandalika Special Economic Zone located in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

         The IMF-WB financial gathering is expected to be attended by up to 15 thousand people from 189 countries, and some of them are invited to visit the Mandalika project.

         Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, chairman of the national organizing committee of the IMF-WB meeting, had visited the Mandalika project site in early March 2018 to review the preparations to welcome delegates from various countries.

        The IMF-WB Annual Meetings will promote Indonesia's economic potential at the global level, according to Panjaitan, who was accompanied by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani and Governor of Indonesia's Central Bank Agus Martowardojo during a visit to NTB.

         He lauded the progress made in the construction of the Mandalika tourism area project in Kuta, Central Lombok, a year following its inauguration by President Joko Widodo.

         "I think, as compared to a year ago, the progress is amazing now," Minister Pandjaitan remarked.

MANDALIKA, NEW ATTRACTION OF W NUSA TENGGARA TOURISM INDUSTRY by Fardah

Jakarta, Oct 24, 2017 (Antara)- Mandalika Resort, located in Kuta Bay, Central Lombok District, Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), is developing into a new attraction of tourism industry in the province.
         The Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK) project, worth around US$3 billion, is believed to have a multiplier effect on the economy of NTB to help achieve the government's target of receiving at least 20 million foreign tourists by 2019.
        According to Abdulbar M Mansoer, Chief Executive of PT Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), the operator of Mandalika KEK project, at least 10 business units such as home stays, restaurants, cafe, and retail shops have begun operating in the zone.
        Currently, ITDC is continuing to prepare a number of infrastructure projects to be completed in 2018, such as a 17-kilometer thoroughfare in the zone, clean water pipes, and electric networks of the state electricity company PLN.
        There is also a project of the first phase of Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO), which started operation in November 2016. The Mandalika zone also has a big mosque Masjid Nurul Bilad Mandalika with local architecture.
       In a bid to boost the people's economy, ITDC is arranging a public area on the Kuta Mandalika beach and developing small and medium enterprises in the area.    
   Acceleration of the development of the Mandalika KEK was supported fully by the Finance Ministry, through the Customs and Excise Directorate General.

W NUSA TENGGARA PROMOTES TOURISM THROUGH TOUR DE LOMBOK MANDALIKA by Fardah

Jakarta, April 16, 2017 (Antara) - Comprising Lombok and Sumbawa Islands as well as hundreds of smaller ones, West Nusa Tenggara  (NTB) Province is blessed with beautiful white-sand beaches, forest-covered mountainous areas and a distinct culture.

         NTB, which is Located not far from Bali and scenically no less beautiful than Bali, hopes to attract 3.5 million foreign tourists by 2017 and four million by 2018.

         To lure more tourists, the province, however, does not want to rely only on its natural scenery.

         West Nusa Tenggara should enrich and diversify its tourism attractions, including by offering interesting and challenging sport tourism events, Governor of West Nusa Tenggara M. Zainul Majdi has said.

         For the purpose, the NTB administration has planned several sport-based tourism events such as the Lombok Marathon, Sumbawa Ultra Run, Rinjani Ultra Run and an international cycling and tourism event Tour de Lombok Mandalika.

         Mandalika is among Indonesia's 10 priority tourist destinations, including Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Tanjung Lesung in Banten, Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Mount Bromo in East Java, Wakatobi national marine park in Southeast Sulawesi, Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, and Morotai Island in North Maluku.             
    Governor Zainul Majdi on April 13, 2017, inaugurated the Tour de Lombok Mandalika, held until April 16 and participated in by 15 international teams and four domestic teams.

         He was optimistic that the Tour's foreign participants would become "tourism envoys" of NTB because they would help promote the province in their respective countries if they are satisfied with the implementation of the race.

SYNERGY AMONG STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES KEY TO SUPPORTING LOMBOK TOURISM by Fardah

Jakarta, Jan 30, 2017 (Antara) - Lombok, one of West Nusa Tenggara's islands, has been referred to as the new Bali owing to its beautiful beaches and natural scenery, in general.     
     Located just east of Bali, Lombok Island has also been called "the unspoiled Bali" for its alluring white sandy beaches, waterfalls, the large looming volcano of Mount Rinjani, and relatively fewer tourists.     
     The Senggigi Beach, for instance, offers picturesque views of Mount Agung on Bali Island to the west and stunning sunsets, with the volcano silhouetted on the horizon.

          The island was adjudged the best Halal tourism and honeymoon destination at the World Halal Travel Awards 2015 held in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, in October last year. The event was held in conjunction with the World Halal Travel Summit 2015. 
     The Indonesian government has designated Lombok as one of the 10 priority tourist destinations along with other regions, such as Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, Raja Ampat in West Papua, Borobudur in Yogyakarta, and Mount Bromo in Central Java.

          The step aims to help achieve the government's target of attracting 20 million foreign tourists by 2020.

          To support the government's program, State-owned Enterprises (BUMN) Minister Rini Soemarno has established synergy among 118 state-owned companies to support development of the tourism industry in the Mandalika area in Lombok District.

WEST NUSA TENGGARA TO BOOST YACHT TOURISM by Fardah

Jakarta, Dec 22, 2016 (Antara) - West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province is blessed with beautiful white-sand beaches, forest-covered mountainous areas and a distinct culture. The province comprises islands of Lombok, Sumbawa and hundreds of smaller ones.   
   Located not far from Bali and scenically no less beautiful than Bali, NTB attracted 2.25 million tourists in 2012, 2.49 million in 2013, and 2.51 million in 2014.

        The NTB administration has set a target of attracting three million tourists in 2016, and is expected to generate Rp750 billion in revenue from tourism.  Besides, the province also hopes to attract 3.5 million visits by 2017 and four million by 2018. 
   The target has been incorporated into the provincial Medium Term Development Plan 2018.

        Lalu Moh Faozal, head of the NTB Tourism and Culture Office said recently that the target was determined after taking into account the number of tourists staying at hotels and those who visited the region via any entry point, be it the Lembar seaport in West Lombok, Sape seaport in Bima, Bangsal seaport in North Lombok, or the Lombok International Airport in Central Lombok district.

        "Those are the mainstays through which tourist enter West Nusa Tenggara," Faozal added.

        The number of visitors coming to the province for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) was also factored in while setting the target.

       "Currently, the number of tourists has reached 2.9 million. Before the close of the year, we are optimistic that the target of three million tourists will be achieved," he assured.

LOMBOK BECOMES MORE POPULAR AS HALAL TOURISM DESTINATION --- by Fardah

Jakarta, Aug 25, 2016 (Antara) - The first half of the year is usually a lean season for tourism industry in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, a center for halal tourism.

        This year, however, the Lombok Island enjoyed a significant increase in tourist arrivals.

        The beautiful island recorded some 2.2 million domestic and foreign tourist arrivals during the January-July 2016 period, and the hotel room occupancy rate reached some 80 percent.

        Intensive tourism promotion activities, organized by both regional and central governments, led to this increase in the number of tourists, Head of the NTB Tourism and Culture Office M. Fauzan said on Aug. 25.

        Various national-level events, such as the National Press Day and Quran Recital Competition, held in NTB earlier this year, also contributed to the trend, he added.

        The NTB provincial administration has set a target to attract some three million tourists this year.

        "Within just first seven months of 2016, we have received 2.2 million tourists. We are optimistic of achieving the target of three million tourists," he remarked.

         The NTB administration has lately intensified promotion of halal tourism. Halal means permissible according to Islamic teachings.

         "Halal tourism does not concern the products but is related to meeting the criteria for halal services. For instance, beer not being served in hotels is required for the facility to be halal," he pointed out.

         Halal tourism not only attracts tourists from Muslim-majority countries but also from others.

IDB TO SUPPORT HALAL TOURISM IN W NUSA TENGGARA By Fardah

Jakarta, May 23, 2016 (Antara) -  President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al-Madani last April had a privilege to visit West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, which is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and scenic views.          Some 65 percent of the 4.7 million population of NTB lives in Lombok and up to 93 percent of them are Muslims.           Lombok, one of NTB's main islands, was adjudged the best halal tourism and honeymoon destination during the World Halal Travel Awards 2015 held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, in October last year. The event was held in conjunction with the World Halal Travel Summit 2015.     The awards have instilled a sense of pride and optimism in the NTB administration to promote its tourism attractions nationally and internationally to lure more domestic and foreign  tourists, particularly Muslims, who want to enjoy halal or Shariah tourism.        The NTB tourism office has improved facilities and services for Muslim tourists, for instance, by providing halal food and easy access to facilities for Islamic prayers and other activities in accordance with the Islamic laws (Shariah).          Located not far from Bali and having scenery not less beautiful than Bali, NTB attracted 2.25 million tourists in 2012, 2.49 million in 2013, and 2.51 million in 2014.         The NTB administration has set a target of attracting three million tourists in 2016, and is expected to generate Rp750 billion in revenue from tourism.         Al-Madani said IDB strongly supports the halal tourism concept being developed in Indonesia and in NTB in particular.

LOMBOK SET TO WELCOME SHARIAH TOURISTS AND HONEYMOONERS by Fardah

    

    Jakarta, Dec 16, 2015 (Antara)- Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province  was adjudged the best halal tourism and honeymoon destination during the World Halal Travel Awards 2015 held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, in October.

     The event was held in conjunction with the World Halal Travel Summit 2015. 
      Some 65 percent of the 4.7 million population of NTB lives in Lombok and up to 93 percent of them are Muslims.

        "I hope these awards would serve as a starting point to seriously develop Lombok as a halal tourism destination," NTB Deputy Governor Muhammad Amin affirmed.

        The awards have instilled a sense of pride and optimism in the NTB administration to promote its tourism attractions nationally and internationally to lure more domestic and foreign tourists, particularly Muslims, who want to enjoy halal or Shariah tourism.     
   "After we received the best halal tourism 2015 awards in Abu Dhabi, we are optimistic of introducing NTB to countries in the Middle East as the region is one of our targets," NTB Tourism Office Head Lalu Muhammad Faozal stated in Jakarta, on December 14, 2015, after the launch of the tourism brand "The Charm of Lombok Sumbawa."

VOLCANIC ERUPTION AFFECTS TOURISM IN BALI, WEST NUSA TENGGARA by Fardah

 Jakarta, Nov 11, 2015 (Antara)- Indonesia's tourism sector has again been affected by a natural disaster as its two most famous tourist destinations --- Bali Island and Lombok --- are incurring losses due to the eruption of Mount Barujari.

        Mount Barujari, a cone inside Mount Rinjani's large volcanic caldera located in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), has erupted since Nov. 3, leading to the closure of several airports in neighboring provinces.

        The volcanic ash had forced the authorities to shut down the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali; the Blimbingsari Airport in Banyuwangi, East Java Province; the Selaparang Airport in Mataram; and the Lombok International Airport in Lombok, NTB. 
   The data from the Transportation Ministry revealed that at least 1,180 flights had been cancelled due to the volcanic ash until Nov. 7.

VOLCANIC ERUPTION FORCES CLOSURE OF AIRPORTS IN BALI, OTHER AREAS by Fardah

Jakarta, Nov 5, 2015 (Antara)- Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, Lombok's Selaparang Airport in West Nusa Tenggara, and Banyuwangi's Blimbingsari Airport in East Java, among others, have been closed due to Mount Barujari's eruption in Lombok since Tuesday (November 3).         This is the second blow to Bali's tourism industry this year after the eruption of Mount Raung located in East Java, which had also forced the temporary closure of the Ngurah Rai airport in July.

MOUNT TAMBORA NATIONAL PARK TRANSFORMED INTO NEW ECOTOURISM DESTINATION by Fardah

     Jakarta, April 13, 2015 (Antara) - In 1816, Europe and North America experienced an unusual climatic phenomenon termed, "the year without a summer" due to Mount Tambora's massive eruption in 1815, although no one then suspected any connection to the eruption.

        The 1815 eruption of Tambora was one of the mightiest and deadliest ever recorded in history. On the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI), Tambora rates a 7, one of only four in the last ten thousand eruptions to do so. In comparison, the famous Mount Krakatoa blast was recorded at VEI 6, and Mt. St. Helen's blast of May 1980 was VEI 5.

        Tambora's catastrophic eruption began on April 5, 1815, with small tremors and pyroclastic flows. A shattering blast blew the mountain apart on the evening of April 10.